Chicago-London International Dialogue: Tall Buildings & the Zero-Carbon Agenda

Ever since the world’s first skyscraper was built here in 1885, Chicago has been a city of tall buildings. As its skyline has changed it has inspired other cities around the world to pursue high-rise solutions of their own.

London, on the other hand, is a city traditionally associated with low-rise and lower-density development. Yet, in the past decade a construction boom has rapidly changed London’s skyline, challenging the city’s historical image.

Through tall building design, engineering and planning, both cities are addressing new pressing priorities: first, the need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the built environment; and second, the pursuit of sustainable growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key questions this program will seek to answer include:

What are the best approaches emerging in both cities for addressing these priorities?

What are the newest trends in tall building design, materials and construction?

What specific planning policies can help guide long-term progress toward a resilient, carbon-free city?

In this webinar, panelists from Chicago and London will discuss how tall buildings and the zero-carbon agenda affect both cities. Together we will exchange information, debate shared urban issues and compare approaches.

Panelists include:

Gordon Gill, FAIA, founding partner of award-winning Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Joanna Bacon, managing partner at Allies and Morrison, RIBA and AA Trustee and shortlisted for AJ’s Woman Architect of the Year

Cynthia Roubik, Assistant Commissioner with the city of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD)

This program will be moderated by Peter Murray, New London Architecture Curator-in-Chief and Michael Wood, Chicago Architecture Center Senior Curator.

This program is presented in partnership with NLA.